Cresyl Echt Violet Stain Service: Visualize Nissl Substance in Neural Tissue

At iHisto, we provide high-contrast Cresyl Echt Violet staining for reliable visualization of Nissl substance in neurons — ideal for mapping neuronal distribution, evaluating neurodegeneration, and supporting CNS-targeted research.

🧠 Overview 

The Cresyl Echt Violet stain is a classic neurohistology technique used to label Nissl bodies — aggregates of ribosomal RNA in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) of neurons. These structures are key markers for:

• Neuronal integrity

• Neurotoxicity

• Developmental neurobiology

iHisto’s optimized protocol delivers crisp visualization of neuronal cell bodies with minimal background, supporting confident interpretation in brain and spinal cord tissues.

⚙️ How the Stain Works 

Cresyl Echt Violet is a basic aniline dye that selectively binds acidic components of the neuronal cytoplasm, primarily ribosomal RNA in Nissl substance.

Key features:

• Stains neuronal soma violet to purple

• Enhances contrast between neurons and glial cells

• Works on both paraffin-embedded and cryosectioned CNS tissues

• Can be used alongside H&E or other neuro stains for multi-modal analysis

🧬 Step-by-Step Staining Process 

1. Fixation and Sectioning
   Brain or spinal cord tissues are fixed (formalin), embedded, and sectioned at optimal thickness.

2. Deparaffinization and Hydration
   Slides are passed through xylene and graded alcohols into water.

3. Cresyl Echt Violet Application
   Sections are stained with cresyl echt violet under controlled time and temperature to ensure selective binding to Nissl bodies.

4. Differentiation and Rinsing
   A brief treatment with alcohol or acetic acid removes background, enhancing contrast.

5. Dehydration and Coverslipping
   Slides are cleared and mounted for permanent storage or digital scanning.

🔬 Applications of Cresyl Echt Violet Staining 

This stain is widely used across neuroscience research, toxicology, and neuroanatomical studies.

Common use cases include:

• Mapping neurons in cortex, hippocampus, and spinal cord

• Assessing neuronal degeneration or necrosis

• Evaluating developmental neurotoxicity

• Monitoring Nissl body fragmentation in injury or disease models

• Supporting CNS drug screening and morphometry

✅ Why Choose iHisto’s Cresyl Echt Violet Staining 

• ✅ Clear staining of Nissl substance in neurons

• ✅ Low background for enhanced visibility

• ✅ Compatible with rodent, non-human primate, and human CNS tissues

• ✅ Optional pathologist interpretation or quantitative analysis

• ✅ Slide digitization and high-resolution delivery available

Our neurohistology team supports academic, biotech, and preclinical labs in need of fast, reproducible CNS staining.

❓ FAQs 

• What does Cresyl Echt Violet stain highlight?
  It stains Nissl bodies in neuronal cytoplasm, helping visualize neuron structure and integrity.

• Is it suitable for neurodegeneration studies?
  Yes — it's widely used to detect neuronal loss, shrinkage, or chromatolysis in disease or toxicology models.

• Can it be used on frozen tissue?
  Absolutely. It works well on both paraffin and cryostat (frozen) CNS sections.

• Do you offer digital slide delivery?
  Yes. We scan slides at high resolution and deliver via HistoCloud or secure external storage.

📩 Request a Quote or Consultation 

Whether you're mapping neurons, evaluating neurotoxicity, or analyzing brain injury, iHisto provides expert Cresyl Echt Violet staining with rapid turnaround and digital support.

👉 Request a Quote or email info@ihisto.io